1820 Settler Correspondence before emigration

ALL the 1819 correspondence from CO48/41 through CO48/46 has been transcribed whether or not the writers emigrated to the Cape. Those written by people who did become settlers, as listed in "The Settler Handbook" by M.D. Nash (Chameleon Press 1987), are labelled 1820 Settler and the names of actual settlers in the text appear in red.

WEAVER, J

Written by Sue Mackay.

National Archives, Kew CO48/46, 246

12 Gynns Place

Lisson Grove

Paddington

22 July 1819

My Lord,

In consequence of the advertisements that I have read in the different papers respecting emigrating to the Cape I am now rather at a loss to whom I am to apply too on the subject but trusting that your Lordship is the one to whom all applications are made I hope your Lordship will not be offended by the liberty I am taking.

I wish to acquaint your Lordship that I was late a Purser in His Majesty's Navy & since I have been on shore have held the situation as Clerk in merchants and Tradesmens Houses from where I can have my accommodation that may be required. It is my wish as well as that of my wife to leave England for that settlement providing that your Lordship considers a living may be obtained. I have only to add that I can be strongly recommended to you by Sir Lawrence VAUGHAN-PALK who well knows my abilities & views. I am sorry to say that I have no half pay neither am I at present in any situation. I am therefore taking upon myself the liberty of seeking the assistance of your Lordship which I hope & trust I do not offend by my boldness. Perhaps I doubt but his Majesty's Government may have some competent persons as superintendants or in some situation that a [salary?] will be allowed them. Should that be the case I humbly pray your Lordships assistance in such case. I have been in His Majesty's Navy upwards of 7 years & my Acting Warrant as Purser was never confirmed which renders me incapable of receiving half pay. Should your Lordship require further proof of my respectability & character I will take it upon myself to refer your Lordship to Sir Lawrence PALK from whom I feel convinced that your Lordship will be fully satisfied. I have now been out of a situation these 18 months except a few weeks employment to fetch up a set of books.

I humbly beg your Lordships pardon for intruding so much on your Lordships time but if any situation was vacant I humbly pray for your Lordships assistance